THE International Eisteddfod came to a dramatic climax last night with a stunning performance from virtuoso violinist Nigel Kennedy.

For more than 25 years Nigel has been acknowledged as one of the world’s leading violinists.

In the first half concertos of Bach were played before the second half jazzed the tempo up featuring the music of Duke Ellington.

It was a fitting finale to another week at the International Eisteddfod which again attracted big names from the world of culture and music and united nations from around the world in music and dance.

Nigel, who first played at the Festival in 1998, said: “Apart from Aston Villa winning the Premiership I really can’t think of many things that could give me as much pleasure as walking out on that huge Llangollen stage and being greeted by the unmistakable Welsh welcome.

“Last time I performed here was a blast and I thought to myself I must return as soon as possible, so here I am.”

On Saturday the grounds were packed for International Family Day.

On the field outside entertainment included music, dance, theatre, arts, crafts and storytelling through performers including Bayou Seco Poppets Theatre, Young Storytellers of Wales, Calan, the Jaipur Kawa Brass Band and Owl Rescue.

University of Santo Tomas Singers, from the Philippines, became the first choir to win the Choir of the World competition twice, having won it before in 1995. Their visit to Llangollen is part of a worldwide tour which started on April 9.

Since its introduction in 1987, the Choir of the World Competition has become established as the highlight of the competitive sessions at the International Eisteddfod to compete for the Pavarotti trophy.

It brings together the winners of the mixed choir the chamber choir, the barbershop choruses, the female choir and the male choir competitions to compete for the coveted prize.

The South African Children’s Choir, visiting Llangollen for the first time won the Folk Showcase competition – then donated their £600 prize back to the eisteddfod

Ida Strydom, who runs the choir, said: “We are so grateful for the generosity of Festival whose staff have helped us obtain a bursary to make it possible for to compete for the first time, and I thought we should hand it straight back to the Eisteddfod.”

Brian Evans, competitor liaison officer, said “ We are very touched by Ida’s donation, and in this climate every penny helps. We are delighted that they won during their first visit and hope we can welcome them back next year.”

On Saturday night Llangollen welcomed back a previous winner, from 1949. Vera Bourke (previously Duffy) – the original winner of the open vocal solo competition in 1949, returned to the festival for the first time since competing on the international stage in 1949. She travelled from Dublin with her son Brendan Bourke.

Her prize in 1949 was six guineas, which she donated to Holly Cross Roman Catholic Church, Oak Street, Llangollen.

She has always wanted to return to Llangollen, but had never been able to make the journey because her son Brendan had kidney failure and was on dialysis all his life.

However, Brendan's brother Ciaran donated his kidney to him in 2009 and Brendan then vowed he'd bring his mum back to Llangollen.

The Eisteddfod has finished for another year with a satisfied feeling after a 10% rise in ticket sales.

But festival chief executive Mervyn Cousins has sounded a warning note against any complacency which could spell disaster for the festival.

That is why the festival’s top brass have been developing a long term plan covering the next few years to enure they have the right mix of music, competitions and concerts to draw the crowds in.

“If we don’t do something, like any other organisation, we have no divine right to be here, despite our wonderful remit and all that Llangollen does which is second to none, said Mr Cousins.